Homemade Plain Yogurt

By now everyone is familiar with the top health benefits of yogurt. Eating yogurt daily helps maintain robust gut bacteria which supports a strong immune system (70% of the immune system is in the gut). Yogurt is a rich source of protein, calcium and live cultures. Studies have shown when probiotics are consumed they can reduce the loss of commensal bacteria during antibiotic use, reduce the occurrence of yeast and urinary tract infections, treat diarrhea, lower the incidence of allergies and eczema in infants.in offspring of mothers taking probiotics during pregnancy, and are associated with maintenance of weight loss. And in recent years we know improving the gut microbiota or the good commensal bacteria can influence mood and even help children with behavior in Autism Spectrum Disorders (coconut yogurt or kefir is recommended for those with dairy intolerance). During winter months eat yogurt twice a day to strengthen the bodies defense against the cold and flu.

Making homemade yogurt is easy and most likely will improve the live cultures in the food. You don’t need much, just a good stainless steel pot, a clean healthy milk source (grass fed organic is tasty and I like 2%), and a hearty yogurt starter. We like to use organic grass fed yogurt.

Pour the gallon of milk into a stainless steel pot. Let it come to a slow boil without burning.

Just as the milk starts to boil and foam up, remove it from the burner.

When the milk cools to luke warm temperature. Warm to the touch..stir in the yogurt.

Wrap the lid of the pot in a cotton dish cloth and place it tightly on the pot. Wrap the entire pot with several towels.

Place the wrapped pot in a dark closet and cover with a blanket for 24 hours

In 24 hours, unwrap the pot and put it in the refrigerator to chill. I sometimes like to pour off the water once it chills. The water is full of yogurt cultures and bacteria so don't throw it away! Drink it!

You can make many variations of yogurt treats. Yogurt smoothies; fresh oats and yogurt with nuts and fruit; dried mint with cucumbers, and raisins; minced shallots, and salt; yogurt cheese can be made by draining the water by pouring the yogurt through a cheese cloth; mix a cup of yogurt with sparkling water and fresh mint for a cool refreshing drink; Use your homemade yogurt as a mouthwash by diluting it with filtered water and swishing it around in your mouth. You can also use the diluted yogurt water in your water pick for extra oral hygiene!

Recipe Notes

You can make many variations of yogurt treats. Yogurt smoothies; fresh oats and yogurt with nuts and fruit; dried mint with cucumbers, and raisins; minced shallots, and salt; yogurt cheese can be made by draining the water by pouring the yogurt through a cheese cloth; mix a cup of yogurt with sparkling water and fresh mint for a cool refreshing drink; Use your homemade yogurt as a mouthwash by diluting it with filtered water and swishing it around in your mouth. You can also use the diluted yogurt water in your water pick for extra oral hygiene!